Chapter 4 [Rancho Rivertree Hacienda]
Martha watched the two heating pots atop the wood stove. She tore a few shirts to rags. Anxiety burned at her heart and mind. Where is Mercedes? Why did everyone have to go into town *now*?
"AHHHH! MARTHA! BLUE, WHERE ARE YOU?" Penny bellowed from her open bedroom.
Steam and Frothing Bubbles came from the pots.
Finally! Martha dropped the rags into the boiling water. She glanced out the window. Perhaps she'd overstepped her authority. She'd sent Reno to the High Chaparral. She asked Bart and Wind to go to Tucson for the doctor. She sent Dan after Blue and Manolito. She breathed in several deep breaths. I sure hope he gets back here!
She heard the galloping hooves come over the hill first. She couldn't miss Blue stopping Soapy right in front of the hacienda. She saw him tie the reins to the rail. She hustled to the door. "Blue! I'm sorry. She just went into labor!"
"That's all right, Martha. I sure appreciate you taking charge like this." Blue rubbed his forehead. "We got the doc coming?"
"I sent Reno to the High Chaparral for help. Bart and Wind are heading for Tucson. I sent Dan to get you. I'm boiling rags. I remember what my Ma told me when my youngest brother was being born. I'll be right there. Just get up there." Martha motioned toward the stairs.
"I got it. Thanks." Blue tipped his hat to her. Appreciation lightened his heart and nerves ever so slightly. He raced up the stairs and down the hall. "HEY, PENNY! I'M HERE!"
"BLUE!" Penny screamed.
He skidded to a halt. His hand caught the doorframe to stop his progress. He yanked himself back into the room. "I'm here! Sorry! I got back here as soon as Dan told us!" He ran over to the bed. "It's going to be okay." He took her hand.
"I know." Penny grimaced. She laid flat on her back. Her mouth clenched. "Just…just hold my hand?"
"I ain't lettin' go." He took the hand. He kissed her forehead. "You're stuck with me, Penny Cannon. You and them kids. I can't wait to see them."
Penny nodded. Her eyes sparkled. "Th…thanks, Blue." She clenched his hand. "We ain't…going anywhere either. You hear me? We love you!"
"I got the rags. I'm boiling a couple of knives and scissors. Dan's watching it right now." Martha stuck her head in the door.
"You're sure doing great, Martha. Thanks!" Blue mouthed a silent prayer. He didn't know what he'd do without help.
"We've got this, Blue. Don't you worry. That goes for you too, Penny. It's going to be all right." Martha rushed back off toward the kitchen.
Necessity bore down on them….